Marantz 4003 vs 5003, with PS3 LPCM, DTSMA, DDTHD twist

[chops13]

Setup:

My BD player is a PS3. I am buying an HDMI 1.3a compliant reciever. 1.3a spec to get deep color support for video.

Question/clarification.

1. The only way to get lossless (LPCM, DTS-MA, DD TrueHD) from the PS3 to the receiver is LPCM over HDMI.

Assuming this is correct:

2. Why would I buy a receiver that was nothing more than HDMI 1.3a compliant to ensure I get the deep color for video? I believe the answer is I wouldn't.

3. I am buying either a Marantz 4003 or 5003.

Link: http://ca.marantz.com/Products/172.asp

I don't care about the amplification power because I have 200W monoblocks. I just need the preamp.

It appears the differences are the (DSP: Cirrus vs. TI Aureus) (Auto Calibration: Marantz vs. Audyssey) (5003 is software upgradeable) (5003 has DSD decoding)

The only thing there I think matter is the DSP for Video upscale and maybe the RS232 software upgradeable.

Conclusion:

I am thinking I will never benefit from paying the extra $300 for the 5003. Make sense?

[aramis109]

The only thing is if you later upgraded to a standalone player you could benefit from the decoding. Depending on the importance of that... there you go.

[sokrman14]

Originally Posted by aramis109

The only thing is if you later upgraded to a standalone player you could benefit from the decoding. Depending on the importance of that... there you go.

If the processors are the same then it wouldnt matter. Make sure they are the same audio processors though.

[musicman1999]

Why not get a real pre-pro, if you have a good system, a budget receiver would be a weak point in your system. your monoblocks will be wasted if you feed them a substandard signal.

bill

[chops13]

Is there a Pre out there that will accept and HDMI in for Hometheater? Thats part of the issue, I run theater and 2ch.

[musicman1999]

sure, i run an anthem pre-pro and all models from the avm-40 and up will accept audio over hdmi. i guess it depends on how much you want to spend, mine is an avm30 and it retails for about $3,500 but the sound quality is far above any receiver you are likely to hear. most high end pre-pro will not accept hdmi however so you would need a player that outputs the audio over analog outputs.

bill